Ornamental shoelace tip and accessory

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an ornamental shoelace accessory for decorating shoes and sneakers Ornaments and charms can be securely and removably attached to the shoelace tip while has been adapted to receive the removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The accessory device of the present invention enables the removable and interchangeable charms to be also added to a standard shoelace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shoelace with tips adapted for theattachment of removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. Thepresent invention also relates to a shoelace accessory device,independent from a shoelace, having removable and interchangeable charmsand ornaments. The accessory device is added to a shoelace, at variouslocations other than the tips, for decorative purposes by the user.

Various devices for attaching decorative articles to shoelaces are knownin the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,727 discloses a shoelacewith hollow ornamental balls removably mounted on the tips of theshoelace. This patent, however, does not provide for interchangeabilityof the ornamental balls with other decorative items. Further, U.S. Pat.No. 5,584,132 discloses an adapter device having a decorative article,such as a light stick which attaches to a shoelace tip. While theadaptor can be changed, they are only held in place by friction and caneasily fall off the shoelace. Both previous devices are attached to theshoelace tip by friction, which is not extremely secure and increasesthe chance that the entire device will disengage from the shoelace tip.Furthermore, the user must install these devices to the shoelace tip,thereby raising issues of user operability.

Therefore, the present invention proceeds upon the desirability ofproviding ornamental shoelace tips and accessories that are secure andeasy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide decoration andadornment of shoes and sneakers which provides the most flexibility forthe user (i.e., a new interchangeable/removable mechanism that is easyto operate), while securely attaching decorative charms and the like toprevent loss and/or damage. The present invention also provides a systemof interchangeability which minimizes the aesthetic impact of theinterchangeable mechanism (i.e., hidden from ordinary view) and is easyfor an average person to use. All charms and ornaments are removable andinterchangeable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ashoelace comprises at least one connector tip, which permits charms andother ornaments to be securely and removably attached to the ends of theshoelace.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ashoelace accessory device permits such charms and ornaments to besecurely and removably attached to a shoelace at various locations otherthan the tips.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ashoelace comprises at least one connector tip, the connector tip ispreferably a rigid cylindrical structure having first and secondmembers. The first member of the connector tip is securely held in placeon the shoelace by a suitable fastening means. The diameter of theconnector tip is small enough to pass through the eyelets of shoes andsneakers. Preferably, the diameter of the connector tip is from about 1mm to about 10 mm. The first member of the connector tip is attached tothe second member of the connector tip by a fitting mechanism.Preferably the fitting mechanism of the connector tip is an interlockingclasp, with the first member and the second member having compatiblemale and female parts. Preferably, the first and second members areconstructed of the same material and have the same diameter, so thatwhen the fitting mechanisms are engaged, the unit appears as onecomplete cylinder. In an embodiment of the present invention, the secondmember is a cap. The cap provides for ease of lacing shoes and sneakersand can be easily removed and replaced with an ornament or charm.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thesecond member is a charm or ornament (having a fitting mechanismcompatible with the first member) and is attached to the first member inplace of the cap, the charms and ornaments being releasable andinterchangeable. Preferably, the fitting mechanism is an interlockingclasp, with the first and second members having compatible male andfemale parts. When a user wishes to decorate her shoe or sneaker, theuser takes a charm or ornament of her choice and places the fittingmechanisms of the first member and the charm or ornament together(second member), and engages the fitting mechanisms to form a securefit. For removal or changing of the charm or ornament, the user simplydisengages the fitting mechanisms.

It is possible that, at some point, a user may not want to attach acharm or decorative ornament to the tips of the shoelace. In accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cap describedherein can be easily re-attached to the first member of the connectortip.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, aremovable shoelace accessory device is provided to attach charms andornaments to a shoelace at various locations other than the tips. Theshoelace accessory device is a small, hollow cylindrical structure thatis open at both ends and has a diameter large enough for a shoelace topass through. At the center of the shoelace accessory device is afitting mechanism to which a charm or ornament (having a compatiblefitting mechanism) can be securely and removably attached, said charmsand ornaments being releasable and interchangeable. Preferably, thefitting mechanism is an interlocking clasp, with the shoelace accessorydevice and the charm or ornament having compatible male and femaleparts. Preferably, the shoelace accessory device has a length from about0.25 inches to about 1 inch, and has a diameter from about 1 mm to about10 mm. A user threads a shoelace through the cylinder of the shoelaceaccessory device when lacing a shoe or sneaker. Hence, the shoelaceaccessory device of the present invention remains secure on theshoelace. Then, the user selects a charm or ornament of his/her choice,places the fitting mechanisms of the shoelace accessory device and thecharm or ornament together, and engages the fitting mechanisms to form asecure fit. For removal or changing of the charm or ornament, the usersimply disengages the fitting mechanisms.

If a user does not want the shoe or sneaker decorated, she can simplyunlace the shoe or sneaker, slide the shoelace accessory device of thepresent invention off of the shoelace, and re-lace the shoe or sneaker.In the alternative, the shoelace accessory device of the presentinvention can remain in place, and the user can attach a small cap (aspreviously described herein) to the fitting mechanism of the shoelaceaccessory device of the present invention.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ashoelace comprises at least one connector tip for attaching charms orornaments and a shoelace accessory device for attaching charms orornaments at various locations on the shoelace, other than the tips.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theconnector tips, shoelace accessory device and the fitting mechanismsthereof can be constructed of any durable material such as plastic,metal, etc. Various charms and ornaments are contemplated, including,but not limited to, shapes (flowers, footballs, baseballs, etc.),characters, and rhinestones. Such charms and ornaments are removable andinterchangeable, and preferably but not necessarily constructed of thesame material as the connector tips and/or accessory device. Preferably,the charms and ornaments are interchangeable between the connector tipof the shoelace and the shoelace accessory device, thereby allowing auser to maximize decorative possibilities in a cost effective manner.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the present inventionwill become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, andthe novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, and notintended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best beunderstood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1D depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory devicecomprising a coupler that fits into a plug to connect a decorativearticle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A-B depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory devicecomprising a clip-type fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-E depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory devicecomprising a channel/notch/peg fitting mechanism in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-B depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory devicecomprising a clasp ring fitting mechanism in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-D depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory devicecomprising a magnetic coupler and plug in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-D depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory devicecomprising a spring-type fitting mechanism in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts a shoelace accessory device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A-D depict an exemplary embodiment of the shoelace tip andremovable shoelace accessory device of the present invention. FIG. 1Ashows a first member 100 of the interlocking clasp fitting mechanism.First member 100 comprises a housing 101 having an open end 102, whichreceives the end of a shoelace, and a closed end 103. Attached to closedend 103 is coupler 104 having a rounded bulb end 105. Second member 200,shown in FIG. 1B, comprises a housing 201 having a plug 202. Plug 202has a channel 203 for removably receiving coupler 104 of first member100. Plug 202 is preferably made of silicone, but can be any similarflexible material, and is smaller than the length of housing 201 suchthat there is an open space 204 in housing 201. Housing 201 also hasmeans 205 for removably attaching a charm or ornament to second member200.

FIG. 1C shows first member 100 and second member 200 joined together bythe interlocking clasp fitting mechanism of the present invention.Rounded bulb end 105 prevents first member 100 from being easilyseparated from second member 200.

FIG. 1D depicts the removable shoelace accessory device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The first member 300 is ahollow cylinder 301 having open ends 302 and 303 and a diameter largeenough for a shoelace to pass through. Coupler 304 having a rounded bulbend 305 is attached at the center of cylinder 301. Second member 200 isthe same as described herein with respect to FIG. 1B.

FIGS. 2A-B depict the removable shoelace tip and accessory devicecomprising a clip-type interlocking clasp fitting mechanism inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.2A shows the removable shoelace accessory device and FIG. 2B shows theshoelace tip. First members 100 or 300 have clip 106 which removablyfastens to clip receiver 206 of second member 200. Preferably, theterminal end of the clip 106 is inserted into the clip receiver 206 andfolded back onto the clip 106, thereby securely fastening the secondmember to the first members 100 or 300. That is, the clip receiver 206is preferably rectangular in shape with a rectangular hole in themiddle.

The removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising aninterlocking clasp fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3A-E. FIG. 3Ashows a first member 100 of the interlocking clasp fitting mechanism.First member 100 comprises housing 101 having an open end 102, whichreceives the end of a shoelace, and a second open end 113. At secondopen end 113, housing 101 has channel 110 and notch 120 cut into theside of housing 101. Second member 200, shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C,comprises a housing 201 having peg 210 on one side. Peg 210 removablyslides into channel 110 of housing 101, and second member 200 fits intosecond open end 103 of housing 101 of first member 100. Once peg 210meets notch 120, first member 100 is turned so that peg 210 slides intonotch 120, thereby locking first member 100 and second member 200together. Housing 201 also has means 205 for removably attaching a charmor ornament to second member 200. FIG. 3D shows first member 100 andsecond member 200 joined together by the interlocking clasp fittingmechanism.

FIG. 3E depicts the removable shoelace accessory device comprising aninterlocking clasp fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. First member 300 is a hollowcylinder 301 having open ends 302 and 303 and a diameter large enoughfor a shoelace to pass through. At the center of cylinder 301 is coupler304 having channel 110 and notch 120 cut into one side. Second member200 is the same as described herein with respect to FIGS. 3A-D. Firstmember 300 and second member 200 fit together in the same manner asdiscussed above.

The removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising a clasp ringfitting mechanism in accordance an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is depicted in FIGS. 4A-B. The removable shoelace accessorydevice shown in FIG. 4A comprises a single integrated device 400comprising a hollow cylinder 401 with open ends 402 and 403, and nodule404. Nodule 404 has clasp ring 405 which opens and removably attaches toa charm or ornament (not shown). FIG. 4B depicts the shoelace tipcomprising the clasp ring fitting mechanism in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, where housing 500 has anopen end 501 and a closed end 502. A shoelace is received by open end501, and closed end 502 has a clasp ring 405 attached thereto, whichopens and removably attaches to a charm or ornament (not shown).

FIGS. 5A-D depict the removable shoelace tip and accessory devicecomprising a magnetic fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a first member 600 ofa magnetic fitting mechanism. First member 600 comprises a housing 601having an open end 602, which receives the end of a shoelace, and aclosed end 603. Attached to closed end 603 is coupler 604. Closed end603 and coupler 604 are magnetic. Second member 700, shown in FIG. 5B,comprises a housing 701 having a plug 702. Plug 702 has a channel 703for receiving coupler 604 of first member 600. Plug 702 is smaller thanthe length of housing 701 such that there is an open space 704 inhousing 701. Plug 702 is also magnetic, such that when coupler 604 isreceived into channel 703, the magnets engage and the first member 600and second member 700 are magnetically joined together. That is, themagnetic plug 702 of the second member has opposite polarity from themagnetic closed end 603 and magnetic coupler 605 of the first member.Housing 701 also has means 705 for removably attaching a charm orornament to second member 700. FIG. 5C shows first member 600 and secondmember 700 being magnetically joined together.

The removable shoelace accessory device comprising the magnetic fittingmechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is depicted in FIG. 5D. First member 800 is a hollow cylinder801 having open ends 802 and 803 and a diameter large enough for ashoelace to pass through. Coupler 804 is magnetic and is attached at thecenter of cylinder 801. Second member 700 is the same as describedherein. When coupler 804 is received into channel 703, the magnetsengage and the first member 800 and second member 700 are magneticallyjoined together.

FIGS. 6A-D illustrate the removable shoelace tip and accessory devicecomprising a sprint-type fitting mechanism in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows firstmember 900, comprising housing 901 with open end 902 and closed end 903.Closed end 903 has locking member 904 attached thereto. Locking member904 comprises two end pieces 905 with spring 906 therebetween, andparallel pins 907 on the outside portion of end pieces 905. Secondmember 1000, shown in FIG. 6B, comprises a hollow housing 1001 having anopen end 1002 and a closed end 1003 and parallel notches 1004 on theinner surface of housing 1001, which receive pins 907 when first member900 is inserted into second member 1000. Spring 906 allows end pieces905 to be squeezed, thereby allowing first member 900 to be easilyinserted and removed from second member 1000. Second member 1000 alsohas means 1005 for attaching a charm or ornament to second member 1000at closed end 1003.

FIG. 6D depicts the removable shoelace accessory device employing thefitting mechanism of FIGS. 6A-6C. First member 1100 is a hollow cylinder1101 having open ends 1102 and 1103 and a diameter large enough for ashoelace to pass through. Locking member 1104 is attached at the centerof cylinder 1101 and comprises two end pieces 1105 with spring 1106therebetween, and parallel pins 1107 on the outside portion of endpieces 1105. Second member 1000 is the same as described herein withrespect to FIG. 6A-6C.

As shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, the shoelace accessory device comprises a shoe laceholder 2000 for positioning the shoelace tips of the present inventionwith the removable charms attached therein. The two shoelace tips of ashoelace can be inserted into the two tubes 2010 of the shoelace holder2006 which is secured to the shoe by a clip 2020. Preferably, theshoelace tip with only first member 100 is inserted into the two tubes2010 and then the second member 200 with the charms or ornament attachedthereto is fasten to the first member 100.

While the present invention has been particularly described with respectto the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that variousalterations, modifications and adaptations may be made based on thepresent disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of thepresent invention. It is intended that the appended claims beinterpreted as including the embodiments discussed above, the variousalternatives that have been described, and all equivalents thereto.

1. A shoelace comprising at least one connector tip having a firstmember and a second member; wherein said first member is attached to theshoelace to form a shoelace tip and comprises a fitting mechanism forsecurely and removably attaching said second member of said connectortip to said first member, and wherein second member has a decorativearticle attached thereto comprising a compatible fitting mechanism forsecurely and removably attaching said second member having saiddecorative article to said first member of said connector tip.
 2. Theshoelace of claim 1, wherein said fitting mechanism of said first membercomprises a coupler; wherein said first member comprises a housinghaving an open end and a closed end, said open end being operable toreceive and attach to said shoelace to form said shoelace tip, and saidcoupler being attached to said closed end; and wherein said secondmember comprises a housing having a plug with a channel for receivingsaid coupler.
 3. The shoelace of claim 2, wherein said plug comprisessilicone.
 4. The shoelace of claim 2, wherein said coupler and plug aremagnetic.
 5. The shoelace of claim 1, wherein said fitting mechanismsare male and female parts of a clip.
 6. The shoelace of claim 1, whereinsaid fitting mechanisms are clasp rings.
 7. The shoelace of claim 1,wherein said first member comprises a housing having an open endoperable to receive and attach to said shoelace to form said shoelacetip; and a closed end comprising a channel and a notch cut into saidhousing of said first member; and wherein said second member comprises ahousing having a peg on the outside of said housing of said secondmember, said peg slides into said channel and locks into said notch whensaid first and second members are joined.
 9. A shoelace accessory devicecomprising a first member and a second member; wherein said first membercomprises a hollow cylindrical structure open at both ends with adiameter large enough for a shoelace to pass through and a fittingmechanism attached to an outer circumference of said hollow cylindricalstructure for securely and removably attaching said second member tosaid first member; and wherein second member has a decorative articleattached thereto comprising a compatible fitting mechanism for securelyand removably attaching said second member having said decorativearticle to said first member.
 10. The shoelace accessory device of claim9, wherein said fitting mechanism of said first member comprises acoupler; and wherein said second member comprises a housing having aplug with a channel for receiving said coupler.
 11. The shoelaceaccessory device of claim 10, wherein said plug comprises silicone. 12.The shoelace accessory device of claim 10, wherein said coupler and saidplug are magnetic.
 13. The shoelace accessory device of claim 9, whereinsaid fitting mechanisms are male and female parts of a clip.
 14. Theshoelace accessory device of claim 9, wherein said fitting mechanismsare clasp rings.
 15. The shoelace accessory device of claim 9, whereinsaid fitting mechanism of said first member comprises a channel and anotch, and wherein said second member comprises a housing having a pegon the outside of said housing, wherein said peg slides into saidchannel and locks into said notch when said first and second members arejoined.
 16. A shoelace holder comprising two tubes for holding two endsof a shoelace and a clip for attaching said shoelace holder to a shoe.17. The shoelace holder of claim 16, wherein said shoelace comprises atleast one connector tip having a first member and a second member;wherein said first member is attached to the shoelace to form a shoelacetip and comprises a fitting mechanism for securely and removablyattaching said second member of said connector tip to said first member,and wherein second member has a decorative article attached theretocomprising a compatible fitting mechanism for securely and removablyattaching said second member having said decorative article to saidfirst member of said connector tip.